The sudden death of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry. The celebrated actor passed away on October 8, 2026, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. His death was confirmed by doctors at Manipal Hospital, while his son Malhar Patekar also confirmed the news. Reports said doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation for around 45 minutes but were unable to revive him.
Soon after the news emerged, tributes began pouring in from Bollywood actors, filmmakers, political leaders and colleagues from across the Indian film industry. Many remembered Nana not only for his powerful performances but also for his distinctive voice, intense screen presence and ability to make even complicated characters feel authentic.
Among those who paid tribute were Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Jr NTR, Prakash Raj and several political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Nana Patekar Remembered by Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar shared an emotional tribute for Nana Patekar, recalling the opportunity he had to work with the veteran actor in Welcome and more recently in Housefull 5.
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Akshay remembered Nana as an actor who never needed exaggerated performances to command attention. He praised his intensity, honesty and distinctive acting style, describing him as someone who was truly one of a kind.
The two actors shared screen space in Welcome, where Nana's portrayal of Uday Shetty became one of the most memorable comic characters of his career. They also worked together in Housefull 5, giving them another professional association years after their earlier collaboration.
For Akshay, Nana's death meant the loss of a colleague whose performances and personality had left a lasting impression.
Nana Patekar’s Death Deeply Affects Riteish Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh was among the actors who expressed particularly strong emotions following Nana Patekar's passing. In his tribute, Riteish described Nana as an “actor par excellence” and remembered the impact he had on Indian cinema.
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Riteish also expressed regret over not getting the opportunity to work with Nana in the way he had hoped. His emotional reaction reflected the sense of loss felt across the film fraternity after the veteran actor's sudden passing.
Nana had worked with Riteish in Housefull 5, one of his recent major Hindi film appearances. The film also featured Akshay Kumar and several other members of the franchise's ensemble cast.
Yogi Adityanath Pays Tribute to Nana Patekar
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also mourned Nana Patekar's death. In his tribute, Yogi described the actor as a distinguished artist, powerful theatre performer and sensitive social worker.
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He highlighted Nana's contribution to Indian cinema as well as his concern for social issues. Yogi called his death an irreplaceable loss to the world of art and expressed condolences to his family, friends and admirers.
Nana had himself spoken positively about Uttar Pradesh's law-and-order situation and Yogi Adityanath's leadership at a public event in Lucknow earlier in 2026, making the Chief Minister's tribute particularly notable.
Jr NTR and Prakash Raj Remember the Veteran Actor
Tributes also came from actors outside Bollywood. Jr NTR described Nana Patekar as one of Indian cinema's finest actors and praised the honesty and intensity he brought to his characters.
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According to Jr NTR's tribute, Nana's performances often felt less like acting and more like real life unfolding on screen. He also expressed condolences to Nana's family and loved ones.
Prakash Raj shared a more personal message, remembering not just Nana's acting but also their conversations, arguments, food and the knowledge he shared. His tribute reflected a relationship that extended beyond professional interactions.
These messages underline the respect Nana commanded across different generations and regional film industries.
Nana Patekar’s Contribution to Indian Cinema
Nana Patekar's career spanned nearly five decades and included Hindi and Marathi cinema, theatre and television. He made his film debut with Gaman in 1978 and went on to deliver acclaimed performances in movies such as Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Khamoshi, Ab Tak Chhappan, Apaharan and Natsamrat.
His work earned him three National Film Awards, including recognition for Parinda, Krantiveer and Agni Sakshi. He was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.
At the same time, Nana successfully connected with mainstream audiences through films such as Welcome, where his portrayal of Uday Shetty introduced his work to a younger generation.
Political Leaders Remember Nana’s Social Work
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to Nana, remembering his contribution to both Hindi and Marathi cinema. Fadnavis highlighted films including Krantiveer, Natsamrat and Parinda while describing the actor's death as a major loss to the industry.
He also remembered Nana's work through the Naam Foundation, which was associated with efforts supporting farmers and communities affected by drought.
Other political leaders, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Odisha's Naveen Patnaik, also expressed grief over the veteran actor's passing.
Nana Patekar Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy
Nana Patekar's death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cinema. Few actors managed to move so comfortably between intense drama, social cinema, theatre and mainstream commercial entertainment.
His distinctive dialogue delivery, powerful eyes and uncompromising screen presence made him instantly recognisable. Whether playing a serious character in Krantiveer, a complex role in Natsamrat or the eccentric Uday Shetty in Welcome, Nana brought a unique identity to every performance.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, the overwhelming sentiment remains that Indian cinema has lost an extraordinary performer. Nana Patekar's characters, dialogues and performances, however, are likely to remain part of the country's cinematic memory for generations.
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